Osteomyelitis is generally defined as an inflammation process of the bone or joint caused by an infectious organism and resulting in bone destruction and even necrosis. Osteomyelitis following joint replacement surgery can present as an early infection or several years later as a result of bacterial seeding of the implanted joint. For patients with diabetes, osteomyelitis can be a life-altering event. Poor blood supply, undetected wounds, loss of protective sensation, and altered immune defenses are common predisposing factors for the development of osteomyelitis of the lower extremities. This session will provide an overview of osteomyelitis including the pathophysiology, etiology, and predisposing conditions, and will conclude with a detailed discussion on antibiotic treatment.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this webinar, learners will be able to: 

1. Describe the pathophysiology, etiology, and predisposing factors related to osteomyelitis
2. Discuss treatment of osteomyelitis
3. Predict the vascular access needs of the patient with osteomyelitis 

CRNI® RUs: This session has been approved for 2 CRNI® recertification unit and meets the non INS Meeting criteria.

Contact Hours: This session has been approved for 1 contact hour

Expiration date for receipt of contact hours: July 28, 2024

To receive contact hours for this educational activity, you are required to attend the entire educational activity and complete the evaluation.

The Infusion Nurses Society is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider #CEP14209. The certificate must be retained by the attendee for a period of 4 years.